Weekend Preview

There are a handful of games in Divisions 1 and 2 of the Munster Junior League and one match in Division 3, along with an assortment of games in local Men’s and Women’s competitions.

On Sunday in Division 1 of the Munster Junior League, champions Kilfeacle make the relatively short trip to Thurles for their Premier County derby. This is the first of two games that both sides have left to play. Kilfeacle clinched the League title last time out as they defeated Muskerry 35-5 to claim all points on offer at the West Tipperary venue. Thurles will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in their battle against the drop, following their 20-12 away win over Sunday’s Well on Leeside.

Skibbereen, who are battling against relegation, will have their work cut out, as they entertain Mallow at the Carbery Showgrounds. Skibbereen narrowly lost their last game 20-18 away to Clonakilty and this is the first of three games that the West Cork side have left to play. Mallow, who are fourth, will be looking to keep their aspirations of a top-four finish alive following their 23-7 away victory over North Cork neighbours Kanturk.

St. Mary’s host Kanturk at MultiFlow Park, with both sides occupying the mid-table places. The Limerick side claimed a bonus point from their narrow 12-10 home defeat to Clonakilty, which sees them in ninth place. The Duhallow side have slipped to eighth as they lost for the second successive weekend, going down 23-7 at home to Mallow.

In Division2, Crosshaven, who are second, welcome St Senan’s to South Cork. Crosshaven have two games left to play, while the Clare side have three games outstanding. The South Cork side will be looking to take another step closer to promotion, while St Senan’s are still in with an outside chance of making the top flight. Crosshaven go into the tie on the back of a 31-19 bonus point home win over Ennis. St Senan’s recorded a 22-12 away win over Ballincollig last time out.

Castleisland and Youghal go head to head in their re-scheduled game at the Kerry venue. Castleisland are four points clear of the relegation zone. They claimed all points on offer from their last game where they put up 33 points without reply against near neighbours Abbeyfeale in the Kingdom. The East Cork side go into the tie on the back of a 37-19 defeat by Ennis in the Banner County.

Fethard, who are second from bottom welcome Charleville to South Tipperary. Fethard are four points behind Castleisland and they go into the tie on the back of a 32-12 maximum-point home win over Cobh Pirates. Charleville are tenth and they were defeated 45-7 by Kinsale in South Cork.

Tralee, who have already been promoted to Division 2, travel to Casltetreasure, to take on Douglas.
Richmond welcome Newcastle West to Canal Bank for their Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup tie, with a home tie against bandon, awaiting the winners in the semi-finals.

There are two ties down for decision in the Martin O’Sullivan Cup.

Holders Corca Dhuibhne begin their defence of the trophy in the quarter finals against Kingdom neighbours Killorglin in Mid Kerry. The winners will be rewarded with home advantage against Tralee in the semi-finals.
Killarney travel to Suirside for the first semi-final against Waterford City.

Cork Constitution and Highfield lock horns in the Cork Charity Cup final at Virgin Media Park. The Lilywhites are looking to retain the trophy, while Highfield are seeking their first triumph since 1974.

On Friday evening, holders Nenagh Ormond go head to head with Garryowen in the Limerick Charity Cup decider. Garryowen are looking to win the trophy for the first time since 2002.

On Sunday, UL Bohemian and Young Munster go head to head in the inaugural Limerick Charity Plate final.
Clonakilty welcome UL Bohemian to the Vale for their Munster Women’s Open Cup opener. The winners will be away to Shannon in the quarter finals.

In Division 2 of the Women’s Munster League, Ballincollig go head to head with Roaring Water Bay at Tanner Park. Ballincollig were defeated 53-0 by Thurles at Tanner Park in their last game. Roaring Water Bay are still without a win and they lost their last game 46-17 to Thurles in Skibbereen. Ballincollig recorded their only win of the campaign to date when they defeated the West Cork side 50-5, to claim all points on offer at the Carbery Showgrounds in November.